Dada Dev Wrestling Academy Emerging as a Professional Platform to Nurture Sporting Talent in Girls: DC Aaditya Dachalwal

Publish Date : 25/09/2026

23-year-old Sonal Dahiya wins silver medal at National Games, brings laurels to Punjab

Academy wrestlers to compete in Khedan Watan Punjab Dian-2026 district-level events from October 1 to 4 at Akbarpur Wrestling Centre

Rupnagar, September 25: Dada Dev Wrestling Academy at Kainaur village in Morinda has emerged as a professional platform for nurturing the sporting talent in girls of rural areas, with more than 50 young wrestlers undergoing training every morning and evening at the wrestling centre.

Sharing details, Deputy Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal said that this academy has been running by sports department of Punjab Government which provides girls not only with professional sports training but also residential facilities. Wrestlers associated with the academy have performed exceptionally outstanding at district, state and national-level competitions and have won several medals at the national level.

He said that these young girl wrestlers have brought laurels to Rupnagar district and played an important role in helping the district secure the first position in the state in the girls’ category. The academy’s 23-year-old wrestler Sonal Dahiya won a silver medal in the 53-kg weight category at the National Games held in September 2026, bringing recognition to Punjab and proving as an inspiration for other young wrestlers. Her achievement demonstrates that consistent effort and hard work can help athletes realise their goals.

Deputy Commissioner said that besides winning a silver medal at the Under-23 National level, Sonal has secured a gold medal at the Senior State level. Similarly, Tanishka Dhankhar won a gold medal at the Under-15 National level, while Gursharan Kaur secured a bronze medal at the Under-15 National level. Aamna, Prabhjot Kaur and Priya have won gold medals at the Under-15 State level.

He further said that Jasleen Kaur won a silver medal at the Under-15 State level, Simran secured gold at the Under-17 State level, Jashandeep won gold at the Under-14 State level, while Gurnoor Kaur won gold in the Under-12 category and bronze in Under-14. Avneet Kaur secured bronze at the Under-12 State level, while Navpreet Kaur won bronze at the Under-15 State level.

Deputy Commissioner said that the wrestlers of Dada Dev Wrestling Academy are also participating enthusiastically in the district-level competitions of Khedan Watan Punjab Dian-2026, being held from October 1 to 4 at the Wrestling Centre in Akbarpur village. The competitions are expected to attract large number of audience. The academy’s girls are participating in the Under-14, Under-17 and Under-21 age categories and are undergoing intensive preparations for the events.

He added that the academy has several facilities for the training of wrestlers, including a wrestling mat hall, traditional wrestling arena (akhara), gymnasium, basketball/volleyball ground and running track. The academy also provides an air-conditioned hostel, mess and schooling facilities for the athletes.

Mr Dachalwal said that the academy’s coaching staff includes Yoginder Singh and Ritu Bala, who provide technical and advanced-level training to the girls. The academy aims to provide girls from rural areas with quality sports training and a platform to showcase their talent at district, state and national-level competitions.